Blog :: 2021

South Boston - Neighborhood Guide

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Famous for the St. Patrick's Day Parade and its Irish roots, South Boston has become one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the City. Located between the Seaport District, the South End and Dorchester, “Southie” has a fresh vibe mixed in with old school charm. Have a pint at one of the classic neighborhood taverns and take a stroll the beach.  You can pretty much do it all in Southie.

The South Boston real estate market has experienced a steady climb and its rentals are constantly in demand. According to the latest quarterly report from LINK Boston, condo sales in South Boston are up 23% compared to a year ago and the average sale price per square foot is up 5% to $797/SF.

Things to Do:

Castle Island - A perfect place for a quick stroll or to spend the day. This 22-acre location offers endless activities for a day out of the house.   Stroll around the harborwalk, watch the planes land at Logan Airport, take a swim, walk the dog or tour historic Fort Independence.  It’s one of the more popular outdoor areas in the city with plenty of room to roam.

Lawn on D - Get some fresh air, surf the web with free WiFi and enjoy the wide assortment of games and light-up swings. A popular place to spend a relaxing evening.

Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant - One of the many award-winning eateries in Southie.  If you want a great burger, this is your place.  It won Boston Magazine's “Battle of the Burger” competition in 2019.  If you’re in the mood for pizza, Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant can satisfy that craving too, winning Eater Boston's “Best Pizza in Boston” in 2014.

The Broadway - Just down the road from Lincoln you can find another popular hangout, The Broadway. It's known for always having a great atmosphere and widely recognized for its brunch and wood-fired pizza. A wonderful spot to hang out with old friends or make new ones.

The L Street Tavern - This place is quintessential Southie. A popular place to hang out and a tourist attraction, thanks to the movie Good Will Hunting. Come see where Matt Damon and Ben Affleck hung out and took some of their first steps to Hollywood superstardom!

 

Tips For Apartment Hunting in the Winter

Apartment hunting is an inherently daunting task for many people, regardless of the season or the approach you choose to take. Throw in inclement winter weather, and it only seems to become even more challenging. But that in itself can be a blessing in disguise, especially if you are hunting for a good [...]

Clean Windows Enhance Properties

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When preparing your home to sell, it is best to have a maintenance plan. This usually includes manicuring the landscape, addressing important repairs and tidying up the home decor, to name a few.  One home maintenance project that is often overlooked is window washing/cleaning.  This can improve the light and views from inside the home and it can boost your home's curb appeal. After all, first impressions mean a lot! 

If the view is one of your home's key features to highlight, it is particularly important to have your windows professionally cleaned.  Dirt, grime, insects and more can build up over time.  Professional cleaners don’t just clean the glass, but can also clean the window frames and tracks.

Good, quality windows are a big investment; seasonal maintenance, including cleaning, can help with their longevity.  Keeping up with general maintenance, rather than needing to replace them, can save you money in the long run. 

An abundance of natural sunlight is generally high on homebuyers' wish lists. One general tip is to remove the screens from the windows - they generally account for 25% natural light lost!

Are your windows in need of a good cleaning?  Here are some local window washing professionals:

All-Pro Window Cleaning & Power Washing - (781) 799-2453

Fish Window Cleaning - (617) 479-9300

Shine On Boston Inc. - (617) 980-4500

 

 

Apple Picking: Orchards Near Boston

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Right up there with the Fall tradition of leaf peeping is going apple picking in Massachusetts. Who can resist hopping on a hayride, filling a bag with a variety of fresh apples, and enjoying some delicious hot or cold apple cider and apple cider doughnuts? Fun for the entire family!

Here are a few fun farms and orchards to try:

Shelburne Farms (Stow, MA) - https://www.shelburnefarm.com/

Belkin Family Lookout Farm (S Natick, MA) - https://www.lookoutfarm.com/

Brooksby Farm (Peabody, MA) - https://brooksbyfarm.org/

Honey Pot Hill Orchards (Stow, MA) - https://www.honeypothill.com/

Cider Hill Farm (Amesbury, MA) - https://www.ciderhill.com/

Carlson Orchards (Harvard, MA) - https://carlsonorchards.com/

 

 

New Gathering Places in Boston's Back Bay

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Coming out of the pandemic, Back Bay businesses and institutions are preparing to welcome back employees and students this Fall. Despite numerous closings of landmark restaurants and retail operations, the City is welcoming new and exciting spots for gathering.

  • The Quin House recently opened its doors as a private social club in Back Bay following a multi-million dollar makeover. It replaces the Algonquin Club, a Brahmin institution from 1888 which had long lost its luster. Located at 217 Commonwealth Avenue, in a grand McKim, Mead & White limestone mansion, this members-only club promises to bring together “the interesting and interested” for drinking/dining, fitness, learning, and playing. 
     
  • Contessa, a new restaurant by Major Food Group has opened on the rooftop garden/terrace atop luxury hotel The Newbury Boston. It features northern Italian food and cocktails, overlooking the Public Garden in a sumptuous space designed by Ken Fulk. 
     
  • A Michelin-rated pizza and wine bar just opened on Newbury Street. Double Zero, as it is named, features plant-based vegan versions of classic pizza and pasta. The chef and owner, Matthew Kenney says “with the right vision and effort, plant-based menus can be as exciting and revelatory as their counterparts”. Plant based dining has exploded in popularity for obvious health benefits, along with the added environmental benefits.

 

South End, Boston - Neighborhood Guide

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It’s a distinctive Boston neighborhood with a style all its own. The South End. The mere mention of the name immediately brings to mind images of stately Victorian homes, quaint side streets and parks galore. It has become one of Boston’s most desirable places to live. The location is fantastic, situated between Boston’s Back Bay and Bay [...]

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